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Samsung has launched its first smartphone running on Tizen, following months of speculation and rumor. The Samsung Z eschews Android and the Galaxy name from its other smartphone launches in favor of the alternate mobile operating system, with the onboard Tizen 2.2.1 said to provide faster start-up times and improved multitasking compared to Android.

The specifications list of the Samsung Z is generous for the first commercial Tizen smartphone launch, with the device boasting a 4.8-inch Super AMOLED 720p display backed by a 2.3GHz quad-core processor, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of expandable storage. On the back is an 8-megapixel camera with a 2.1-megapixel front version, with the device also having Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, NFC, IR, and LTE connectivity. Just as with the Galaxy S5, it has a heart rate sensor and fingerprint reader, with a 2,600mAh battery providing power.

Samsung Z

Samsung has done a lot to fill out Tizen with the typical array of smartphone features. The camera app includes modes for miniature photography, panoramas, "Quick Shot," "Best Photo," and dual-camera photographs, the Download Booster from the S5 makes an appearance, and S Health 3.0 for heart rate monitoring. The same Ultra Power Saving Mode from the S5 makes a reappearance, and while there are relatively few Tizen apps compared to Android, Samsung plans to host a number of "app challenges" to fill out the Tizen store.

The Samsung Z will initially ship in Russia sometime in the third quarter, with other markets expected to receive it in later months. Samsung has yet to provide a price for the device.